Christoff.ai

TAS Restaurant Bloomsbury

restaurants•
London
London

TAS Restaurant Bloomsbury

22 Bloomsbury Street, Fitzrovia, London WC1B 3QJ

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Bloomsbury Street, TAS Restaurant has carved out a reputation for serving some of London's most authentic Turkish cuisine with a modern twist. This isn't your typical high-street Turkish joint – it's a thoughtfully designed space that bridges the gap between casual dining and elegant sophistication, making it equally suitable for a quick pre-theatre bite or an intimate dinner with friends.

TAS Restaurant Bloomsbury: Charcoal-Grilled Turkish Excellence Near the British Museum

Where authentic Turkish flavours meet contemporary Bloomsbury sophistication

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The venue strikes an impressive balance between casual comfort and refined elegance, earning a solid 6.5 out of 10 on the sophistication scale. The contemporary space benefits from warm lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere without feeling stuffy or overly formal. With conversation-friendly acoustics scoring 7.5 out of 10, it's clearly designed for social dining rather than quiet romantic dinners. The energy level sits at a comfortable 4.5 out of 10 – lively enough to feel vibrant but calm enough for business lunches or family meals. The restaurant accommodates groups well, with a social group size score of 7.0, and offers both indoor seating with air conditioning and outdoor options. Private dining rooms are available for more intimate gatherings, and the wheelchair accessibility ensures everyone can enjoy the experience. The overall vibe feels authentically Turkish while maintaining that polished Bloomsbury sensibility.

Food & Drink

The kitchen's claim to fame – charcoal-grilled Turkish mezze and mixed grills – truly delivers on its promise. The charcoal grill (Mangal) is clearly the star here, producing signature mixed grills, tender lamb cubes, and fresh sea bass with authentic Turkish spice blends. The mezze selection spans both hot and cold options, including hummus, tabbouleh, and borek, providing an excellent introduction to the menu. What sets TAS apart is their commitment to dietary inclusivity – they offer comprehensive vegetarian and vegan options alongside halal-certified meats, ensuring everyone at the table is well catered for. Traditional casseroles and an intriguing prawn curry showcase Mediterranean influences that broaden the appeal beyond strictly Turkish fare. The authentic Turkish desserts provide a proper conclusion to the meal, and they're well-paired with Turkish wines, cocktails, or traditional beverages. The kitchen clearly prioritizes fresh ingredients and authentic preparation methods.

Service & Experience

The service philosophy here centres on being responsive and family-friendly, accommodating all dietary needs with apparent ease. Staff seem well-versed in the menu offerings and can guide diners through the various mezze options and grilling choices. The restaurant handles both intimate dinners and larger group bookings effectively, suggesting a well-trained team that can adapt to different dining scenarios. Pre-theatre service appears to be a particular strength, with staff understanding the time constraints that come with evening show schedules. The fact that they offer set menus alongside their regular offerings shows flexibility in service approach.

Value for Money

With average prices ranging from £12-18 and a price level rating of 2 out of 4, TAS positions itself firmly in the mid-range London dining category. The availability of set menus and pre-theatre specials adds considerable value, particularly given the location near the British Museum. For Bloomsbury, these prices represent solid value-for-quality, especially considering the authentic preparation methods and fresh ingredients. The portion sizes appear generous based on the mezze platter concept, and the ability to accommodate various dietary requirements without premium pricing adds to the overall value proposition. The pre-theatre menu option is particularly clever, offering both convenience and cost savings for theatre-goers.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Weekday lunchtimes (12pm-3pm) offer the most relaxed experience, while weekend bookings are essential due to popularity from British Museum visitors. For pre-theatre dining, the 5:30pm slot is optimal to take advantage of their pre-theatre menu and ensure timely service before evening shows.

What to Focus On

Start with a selection of hot and cold mezze to share, then move to the charcoal-grilled mixed grill which showcases the kitchen's signature Mangal technique. The lamb cubes are particularly recommended, and vegetarians should explore their comprehensive plant-based options rather than settling for basic alternatives.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book the 5:30pm slot specifically to access the pre-theatre menu – it's both better value and perfectly timed for West End showsThe private dining rooms can be reserved for intimate groups, offering a more exclusive experience in the same venueWeekend reservations are absolutely essential due to the restaurant's popularity with British Museum visitors – don't risk turning up without booking

The Final Verdict

TAS Restaurant Bloomsbury succeeds in delivering authentic Turkish cuisine in a contemporary setting that feels both accessible and refined. The charcoal grill produces genuinely excellent results, and the comprehensive approach to dietary requirements makes it a reliable choice for diverse groups. While it may not be cutting-edge (trendy factor scores 4.0), its combination of quality food, reasonable pricing, and strategic location near the British Museum creates a winning formula. The pre-theatre options add practical value for culture-seekers, and the family-friendly approach ensures broad appeal. It's the sort of place that does the fundamentals very well rather than chasing culinary trends.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

pre-theatre diners seeking quality Turkish cuisine with reliable timingfamilies and groups needing diverse dietary accommodation in central Londonbusiness lunch meetings requiring conversation-friendly atmosphere with quality food

Quick Details

1

TAS Restaurant Bloomsbury

⭐️ Pre theatre
💼 Business friendly
⭐️ Contemporary
⭐️ Dietary inclusive

The charcoal mangal grill takes center stage at this contemporary Bloomsbury spot, perfectly positioned for pre-theatre dining near the British Museum. Warm lighting and elegant atmosphere create the ideal setting for business lunches or intimate dinners, while the kitchen produces signature mixed grills, tender lamb cubes, and fresh sea bass with authentic Turkish spice blends. Hot and cold mezze showcase Mediterranean influences, with responsive service accommodating all dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. Private dining rooms handle intimate groups, while set menus offer excellent value at £12-18 average pricing. The casual-elegant setting bridges traditional Turkish hospitality with modern London dining expectations.

What's Great

✓ Charcoal-grilled specialties with authentic spice blends

✓ Private dining rooms with pre-theatre timing

Keep in Mind

× Weekend bookings essential due to British Museum proximity

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book 5:30pm slot for pre-theatre menu before your show

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 12pm-3pm & 5:30pm-11pm\nSat: 12pm-11:30pm\nSun: 12pm-10:30pm"
📍22 Bloomsbury Street, Fitzrovia, London WC1B 3QJ
💷£££
📞+44 20 7636 2228
🌐Website

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